Xiaomi Now in Top Five Global Smartphone Manufacturers

Xiaomi is now the fourth most successful smartphone manufacturer in the world, according to researchers at Gartner. During the third quarter of 2014, Xiaomi sold 18.8 million handsets. Over the same period in 2013, it only sold 3.6 million. Total smartphone sales between July and September were 301 million units, up 20.3% on last year, Gartner’s report lists. Over the third quarter of 2014, the top five smartphone manufacturers sold the following number of units:

Samsung: 73.2 million

Apple: 38.1 million

Huawei: 15.9 million

Xiaomi: 18.8 million

Lenovo: 15.01 million.

The bottom three of the top five phone companies are Chinese. Roberta Cozza, Research Director of Gartner, spoke about the rise of Chinese manufacturers, saying, “With the ability to undercut cost and offer top specs Chinese brands are well positioned to expand in the premium phone market too and address the needs of upgrade users that aspire to premium phones, but cannot afford Apple or Samsung high-end products.”